14-150mm vs. 18-180mm?

[cakek]

Yes, I know they both are 2 different lenses meant for 2 different cameras and also 2 different focal ranges; however, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these lenses as I want to have an “all-in-one” so I’m not constantly changing lenses. I had read where some people changed from their 14-150 to the 18-180 because they thought the 18-180 did a better image throughout the range. I know I would have to get the MFF adapter to use the 18-180 on my E-PM1. I would like to hear what everyone’s thoughts are on both the lenses and also the +’s and –‘s of them as well. Thanks!!!

 

[Luckypenguin]

The difference in size and weight is substantial, and the autofocus is very slow on the 18-180mm. It was never a stellar lens, and there is a big difference between 18mm and 14mm at the wide end.

 

[Mikefellh]

Assume you mean the Olympus FourThirds 18-180mm made by Sigma. It dien't get very good reviews as a FourThirds lens, not to mention its size and weight compared to the micro 14-150 (which I do own, and have gotten decent results with).

 

[pcnyc]

i think he meant the zuiko 18-180 by olympus. I had both and I found 18-180 to be kinda soft after 130mm. could just be my copy, but regardless, it will be slow if adapted to m43, and it's big and heavy and zoom creep is pretty bad.

14-150 is a much better choice in my opinion, I found it to be sharper overall, and the extra 4mm on the wide end is more useful than the extra tele.

 

[cakek]

Yes, I'm sorry, I meant the Olympus lens. I was leaning towards the 14-150 but I saw the 18-180 on Olympus' website and started to wonder....

 

[jetta-the-hut]

what about the panasonic 45-200mm? It should attach right to the olympus and gets you out alittle further.

 

[Mikefellh]

Assume you mean the Olympus FourThirds 18-180mm made by Sigma.

i think he meant the zuiko 18-180 by olympus.

Reread what I said...the Olympus FourThirds 18-180mm made by Sigma.

It's an Olympus branded lens, but made by Sigma, similar design as the Sigma 18-200.

The 70-300mm is another Olympus lens made by Sigma, exactly the same guts as the Sigma 70-300.

 

[oldracer]

I want to have an “all-in-one” so I’m not constantly changing lenses.

Exactly my goal.

My "almost-all-in-one" is the Panny 14-140mm. About the same as the Oly 14-150mm.

The "almost" part is that I really want a 12-140mm. IMHO 28mm equivalent is just not wide enough for good interiors and, as a frequent tourist photographer, I am often inside churches, caves, castles, etc.

So I have the 14-140mm and the Oly 9-18mm. That really covers the range except for birds and wildlife and the focal range overlap cuts down on lens changes. Depending on the circumstances I will also carry two bodies with one lens on each.

For wildlife add the 100-300mm.

there is a big difference between 18mm and 14mm at the wide end.

Luckypenguin is right. But I would say "big difference" instead of just "big difference."

 

[dhazeghi]

Yes, I'm sorry, I meant the Olympus lens. I was leaning towards the 14-150 but I saw the 18-180 on Olympus' website and started to wonder....

I can't think of any good reason to go with the 18-180. It's larger, it's slower to focus, it's missing the wide end of the range, and it doesn't seem to be as sharp.

Note that if you buy the 14-150 refurbished, you can save about 30% of the list price of the 14-150 ($350 instead of $500).

DH

 

[cakek]

Thank you everyone!! I really do appreciate everyone's input! I think you guys helped me a lot!!!